Whenever it seems that there is some major change on its way, or needed, I have the habit of turning to scripture to make sure that things are still aligned with what I consider to be our most important manual for life - the Bible.

For those of you who share this priority with me, here are some of the scriptures I found that relates to happiness. This is not an extensive list - but it will give you some idea of why I was somewhat surprised that I'd never quite grasped that God wants us to be happy, most of the time, before:

Deu 12:18 You and your children, together with your servants and the Levites who live in your towns, are to eat these offerings only in the presence of the LORD your God, in the one place of worship chosen by the LORD your God. And you are to be happy there over everything that you have done.Deu 24:5 "When a man is newly married, he is not to be drafted into military service or any other public duty; he is to be excused from duty for one year, so that he can stay at home and make his wife happy.1Ki 8:66 On the eighth day Solomon sent the people home. They all praised him and went home happy because of all the blessings that the LORD had given his servant David and his people Israel.1Ch 29:9 The people had given willingly to the LORD, and they were happy that so much had been given. King David also was extremely happy.Psa 84:4 How happy are those who live in your Temple, always singing praise to you.Psa 84:5 How happy are those whose strength comes from you, who are eager to make the pilgrimage to Mount Zion.Psa 106:3 Happy are those who obey his commands, who always do what is right.Psa 119:162 How happy I am because of your promises--- as happy as someone who finds rich treasure.Pro 3:13 Happy is anyone who becomes wise---who comes to have understanding.Pro 3:18 Those who become wise are happy; wisdom will give them life.Pro 8:32 "Now, young people, listen to me. Do as I say, and you will be happy.Pro 8:34 Those who listen to me will be happy--- those who stay at my door every day, waiting at the entrance to my home.Pro 16:20 Pay attention to what you are taught, and you will be successful; trust in the LORD and you will be happy.Mat 5:12 Be happy and glad, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven. This is how the prophets who lived before you were persecuted.Mat 24:46 How happy that servant is if his master finds him doing this when he comes home!Luk 15:9 When she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, and says to them, 'I am so happy I found the coin I lost. Let us celebrate!'Rom 4:7 "Happy are those whose wrongs are forgiven, whose sins are pardoned!Rom 14:22 Keep what you believe about this matter, then, between yourself and God. Happy are those who do not feel guilty when they do something they judge is right!

Now I know that some people have issues with the Good News Bible. But I've selected only the texts where the word "happy" really seems to fit the context. I think the words "blessed" and "joy" have become far too serious for what Scripture seemed to be telling us in many of these verses.

And yes, there will still be times of trouble, and difficulty, but I've begun to realize that in anything and everything, God actually wants us to be happy. Not some deep serious joy in the midst of tribulation. Happy like jumping up and down.